RG58 Coaxial Cable is a flexible and lightweight coaxial cable with a 50-ohm characteristic impedance and maximum voltage rating of 1,900 volts. The central conductor is 20 American Wire Gauge pure annealed copper, although some versions may use a stranded tinned copper conductor. The outside diameter of the cable is 0.195 inches (4.95 mm), which makes it suitable for indoor and vehicular use where size matters. It is best for signal frequencies up to 1GHz, where its attenuation is 14.5 decibels per 100 feet. Above that frequency, attenuation increases, and at 5GHz it is approximately 60 dB/100 ft. RG58 coaxial cable supports 10Base2 Ethernet.
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RG 58 CU0.00 / 1000 FT
- Cond. Material: Tinned Copper
- Conductor Stranding: 19/.0071
- Jacket Material: Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
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Additional Information
What is the construction of RG58 coaxial cable?
Our RG58 coax cable has a 20 AWG (0.81 mm) solid pure copper conductor. Alternatively, the center conductor may be a stranded tinned copper conductor, as found in the M17/28 RG58 version. The dielectric is a solid low-density polyethylene dielectric with an overall diameter of 0.116 inches (2.9 mm) and a dielectric constant of 2.3. RG58 coax cable has a tinned copper braided shield with an overall coverage of approximately 94%. The coax cable outer jacket is extruded and abrasion-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The thickness of the jacket is approximately 0.03 inches, and the external diameter of the cable is 0.195 inches.
What are common applications of RG58 coaxial cable?
RG58 coaxial cable can be used for moderately high frequencies and is commonly used as feed cables for HF and VHF line-of-sight radio transmission antennas. Most two-way radio systems are designed to work with RG58 cable, such as WLAN, Police, Fire, amateur and CB radios. RG58 coax can also be used in 10Base2 "thin" ethernet. RG58 coaxial cable is also commonly used in laboratory equipment, broadcasting equipment, electronic equipment, and closed-circuit TVs.
What are common alternatives to RG58 coaxial cable?
When using alternative wires, it is important that the coaxial cable is matched to equipment of the same characteristic impedance. Similar cables with a characteristic impedance of 50 ohms are M17/28-RG58, RG8, and RG223 coaxial. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. One of our Wire Specialists will be happy to discuss the best options for your next wiring project.
M17/28-RG58 Cable
This is a mil-spec coaxial specification version of RG58, built to stringent military standards. M17/28-RG58 is like standard RG58 except that it uses a stranded tinned copper conductor and the outer conductor is a 36 AWG tinned copper braid. Military specification coaxial cable must meet rigorous specifications.
RG8 Coaxial Cable
RG8 coaxial cable has a 21 AWG stranded conductor, a thicker dielectric, and a shield made from soft annealed copper. The overall diameter of the RG8 cable is 0.285 inches (7.2mm). RG8 cable has a rated voltage of 4,000 volts and a lower attenuation characteristic than RG58 cable. RG8 coaxial cable is also considerably heavier than RG58 cable.
RG223 Coaxial Cable
RG223 coaxial cable has similar dimensions to RG58 coaxial. It uses a solid 20 AWG silver-coated copper conductor and a slightly thicker dielectric layer. The main difference is that the RG223 coaxial cable has a dual shield. This reduces interference and signal loss but leads to slightly poorer attenuation properties at high frequencies.
What are compatible connectors for RG58 Coaxial Cable?
Common coax connectors that are compatible with RG58 coaxial cable are:
- BNC bayonet connectors
- Low-Profile screwed TNC connectors
- Robust screwed FME connectors
RG58 Coaxial Cable Specifications
- Central conductor: Solid 20 AWG annealed copper conductor, alternatively stranded tinned copper conductor
- Dielectric: Low-density polyethylene dielectric insulation with a dielectric constant of 2.3 and a diameter of 0.116 inches (2.9mm)
- Shield: Tinned copper braided shield with approximately 94% coverage
- Jacket: PVC jacket
- Characteristic impedance: 50 ohms
- DC resistance: 10.5 ohms per 1,000 feet
- Capacitance: 29 picofarads per foot
- Maximum temperature: 60 degrees Celsius
- Maximum voltage: 1,900 volts
- Attenuation at 900 MHz: Approximately 13 dB/ft
- Attenuation at 4,000 MHz: Approximately 60 dB/ft
RG58 Approvals
- UL 1581 Vertical Tray Flame Test
- Appliance Wiring Material (AWM) 1354
- National Electrical Code (NEC) Class CL2 power limited
Additional Information
Learn more about RG58 coaxial cables and other coax cables by visiting Allied University: